Freida
Message 1 of 1
After increasing chronic pain in my feet and legs starting in 1995, I was finally diagnosed in October 1999 with "Tethering of the Spinal Cord in the thoracic region." However, all the neurologists and neurosurgeons I've seen say they've never seen anything like it. Some want to operate but say paralysis would be a major factor. Others say the surgery is hit or miss to resolve the pain. A neurosurgeon who is considered an expert in "tethering", and who also has never seen anything like what I have, is against operating. The latest surgeon wants to operate and says he's never paralyzed anyone. My primary care physician has referred me to another neurosurgeon to have an Intrathecal (pain) pump installed because I take a great deal of pain medication which doesn't touch the pain. Has anyone ever heard of this condition or know of someone who has? I will be seeing the doctor for the pain pump July 24th but would like more information because the pain is getting worse. Apparently the tethering around the spinal cord is affecting the long nerves to the feet and legs. I also get numbness and tingling in my fourth and fifth fingers of my right hand after I've had to be seated for long periods of time; e.g., just had an airline flight and a long trip in a car which increased the pain and brought on the numbness in the hand. The numbness in the hand has happened before but usually goes away. I'd appreciate any help in the way of knowledge about this condition.